The information provided here is meant to give you a general idea about each of the medications listed below. Please review any specific side effects or special instructions with your doctor. Use each of these medications as recommended by your doctor, or according to the instructions provided. If you have further questions about usage or side effects, contact your doctor.

Medications are given to treat and control
HIV
viral infections in the body. As research continues, new drugs are becoming available. It is extremely important to take the medications exactly as prescribed especially since HIV resistance to medication can develop if doses are skipped. Work with your doctor to develop a plan of treatment that can best fit your needs. This plan may change as new treatments become available.

Drugs are typically prescribed in combination. Treatment with a combination of drugs is referred to as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Doctors attribute longer survival and improved health in people with HIV infection to the use of HAART.

Nucleoside and nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors interfere with HIV reproduction in the body during an early stage of the virus life cycle. The earliest HIV treatments are in this category, but newer medications in this class type are now well tolerated and remain as one of the best components of HIV treatment.

Possible side effects are very specific to each medications but can include:

Integrase inhibitors interfere with the integration of HIV in the nucleus of the cell, slowing the spread of HIV.

Possible side effects include:

Diarrhea

Nausea

Rash

CCR5 Inhibitors

Common names include:

Maraviroc

CCR5 inhibitors interfere with HIV attachment to certain receptors on cells in the body, slowing the spread of HIV.

Possible side effects include:

Cough

Fever

Rash

Liver injury

Drugs to Treat or Prevent Opportunistic Infections

Common names include:

Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole

Pentamidine

Foscarnet

Ganciclovir

Atovaquone

Valacyclovir

Valganciclovir

Special Considerations

Drugs do not cure HIV infection or AIDS. They are given to suppress the virus. If you are HIV-positive, but do not have symptoms of AIDS, the doctor may recommend delaying the start of medication therapy until the time is right. Most important is following up with your doctor who will help monitor the health of your immune system and together you will decide when and what the right treatment combination is for you.

If you are taking medications, follow these general guidelines:

Take the medication as directed. Do not change the amount or the schedule.

Ask what side effects could occur. Report them to your doctor.

Talk to your doctor before you stop taking any prescription medication.

Plan ahead for refills if you need them.

Do not share your prescription medication with anyone.

Medications can be dangerous when mixed. Talk to your doctor if you are taking more than one medication, including over-the-counter products and supplements.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Call your doctor if symptoms worsen, new symptoms develop, or you experience side effects. Due to the potential for adverse reactions to these drugs, it is important to visit your doctor regularly. Blood tests will likely be ordered before starting and during treatment, depending on your situation.

HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease website. Available at:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/HIVAIDS/Understanding/Pages/whatAreHIVAIDS.aspx. Updated April 3, 2012. Accessed August 10, 2016.

HIV and AIDS treatment. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/hiv-and-aids/treatment.html. Updated April 2014. Accessed August 10, 2016.

HIV basics. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html. Updated July 6, 2016. Accessed August 10, 2016.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care
provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a
substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER
IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the
advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to
starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a
medical condition.